Ref: Canadian Forces, What do you think about Canada's procurement programme?If you would change it, how?

Answer 1

From the announced plans, fairly good. I'm a former Canadian Navy canoe paddler, having served primarily on both HMCS Provider and Saguenay. The Navy, as far as provisioning ships, has been largely ignored. To see the inclusion of more modern, "do all" RAS ships can only be a boon to our projecting Canada's policies on the high seas. Some can argue that the Kingston and Halifax class' have addressed this, but not in any real way to ensure sovereignty of the arctic, which will become an issue with global warming. Particularly with the Americans.
It's been a long time coming, my only concern is about lack of long term plans regarding the CF18 and it's potential replacement. We're down to how many now from the original 136 and how much maintenance vs. flight time hours? Back in 1986 I recall the heleo crews working round the clock to keep a Sea King in the air for an hour. This will eventually happen with the Hornets, if it's not already. I would have like to have seen at least some mention of how DND will eventually address this.

Answer 2

The C-17s and the transport ships are a good thing IMO. I think the troubles with the subs will be worked out eventually and it will be a worthwhile program. The G-Wagens are an obvious miss.

I think procurement should be about bang for the buck and getting the military the tools it needs in timely fashion, not "creating jobs" or other political considerations. Hence, I'm OK with the seconhand subs and the off the rack C-17s.